Pros and cons of neutering

QUESTION: My girlfriend and I adopted a seven-months-old male boxer and we are debating whether to neuter him or not. My girlfriend really wants to neuter him because she heard it is recommended. I have troubles accepting the idea that it is actually better to remove an organ that he was born with. We have no plans to breed him, so should we really neuter him? What are the pros and cons of this procedure?

Brandon ANSWER: This is a quite common question I get asked by men. Many men are appalled by the idea of removing the testicles of their dog. I understand why you find it peculiar why removing an organ that the dog is naturally born with is beneficial. In fact, neutering your pet has many benefits that can positively affect your relationship and your enjoyment of sharing a life together. However, you are right to also consider the possible disadvantages that are associated with this procedure.

As opposed to females, there is no clear indication that it is healthier to neuter males.

The main advantages of removing the testicles is the elimination of the masculine hormone — testosterone. Neutered males tend to be less aggressive to other dogs (though it is important to know that neutering has no effect of aggressiveness toward humans). Neutering your dog is also eliminating his unruly behaviour in the presence of a female in heat. From the medical aspect, neutering males prevents testicular cancer and the benign enlargement of the prostate gland that is quite common in intact males. Enlargement of the prostate often disturbs the passage of urine and feces. Mind you, neutering was never proved to prevent prostate cancer.

Some dogs may gain weight after getting neutered. Maintaining adequate physical activity and feeding the appropriate portions should prevent the weight gain.

The main disadvantage I can relate to the procedure is that it is done under anesthesia and so bears some risk. However, this is considered to be a minor procedure that gets done very often in every vet clinic.

Once the area is prepped and ready, the actual neutering procedure takes only a few minutes.

In most cases, the recovery is very fast. With the help of minor pain medication (equivalent to Tylenol in people), usually within 24 hours of operation the dog goes back to his normal self.

Personally, I do recommend to my clients to spay and neuter their pets, I believe that the pros overcome the cons of the procedure.

QUESTION: I recently moved to the area and soon learned about the risk of heartworm in the Okanagan. What is the best way to prevent heartworm? Is there a vaccine for it, or is it a dewormer? I would appreciate if you could clarify the best protocol for heartworm prevention.

Natasha ANSWER: Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes. There are few products available for preventing heartworm in pets. Some are in an oral edible medication form, and some are in a form of drops applied on the skin.

Either way, the product needs to applied once a month, during the active season of the mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are active in warm weather.

Last year, I noticed the presence of mosquitoes in the Okanagan as early as March. Usually, I recommend to my clients to treat their pet once a month between April to October.

If you notice any mosquitoes beyond this period, you should administer the medication accordingly.

Dr. Noa Oz is a veterinarian at Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital in West Kelowna. Phone: 250-769-9109. Online: kelownavet.ca.